Bedding system

ABSTRACT

A mattress for a bedding unit. The mattress comprises a body having a first support surface and a second support surface. Each of the first support surface and the second support surface is configured to support a user thereon and each of the first and second support surfaces have a different level of firmness. At least one top portion is removably attachable to either of the first or second support surfaces of the body. The at least one top portion has a level of firmness less than the level of firmness of the first and second support surfaces such that when the top portion is attachable to either of the first or second support surface, the level of firmness of the first or second support surface is reduced. An overall level of firmness of the mattress can be altered by the user selecting either the first or second support surface alone or in combination with the at least one top portion to provide the overall level of firmness of the mattress that is acceptable to the user.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to generally to a bedding system, and in particular, to a mattress having a variety of set-up comfort configurations to suit a variety of user comfort requirements.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Bedding systems take a variety of forms depending upon the tastes and comfort requirements of the individual users. Typically, most bedding systems employ a mattress upon which a user is supported for sleeping and the like. The mattress is typically supported upon a base unit that can take a variety of forms. In some forms, the base unit may be a metal or wooden frame having slats or a similar surface upon which the mattress is positioned for use. In other forms, the base may be in the form of a box mattress having sufficient rigidity to support the mattress when the user is located thereon.

In most bedding arrangements, the mattress upon which the user is supported is configured to provide maximum comfort and support to the user. Such mattresses may include springs, foam, memory foam, and even air and water to provide support and comfort to the user as the user sleeps or rests thereon. Thus, the selection of the type of mattress is often made on the basis of personal choice and comfort for the user and most mattresses are configured to provide varying degrees of firmness to suit a variety of different customer comfort requirements. In this regard, some individuals may prefer a “soft” mattress whilst others may prefer a “firm” mattress (and various degrees in-between). Further, what may be considered “soft” by some individuals may not be considered “soft” by others, making the selection of a mattress a very personal choice.

Therefore, the selection and purchase of a mattress is typically determined by individual preference based upon visiting a display room and testing or trying out a variety of mattresses until the consumer determines an ideal mattress “firmness” or “softness” in accordance with their personal preferences. A variety of devices have been proposed to assist in this selection process that employ a more “scientific approach” to mattress selection, such as instruments that measure the posture and weight distribution of individuals as they are positioned on a mattress to ensure that maximum support is provided by the mattress in the area where it is needed. However, despite such devices and advances in biomechanical assessment of mattresses, it is still a fact that the most common means for selecting a mattress is by a customer visiting a store and lying on a variety of different mattresses until they select a mattress with the desired level of “firmness” or “softness” in accordance with their individual preferences.

In order to cater for this personal “testing” of mattresses, most bedding retailers have traditionally required a showroom to display a variety of different beds for testing by customers prior to purchase. Due to the large range of beds often available for purchase, to provide such a service there is a need for retailers to acquire a large amount of floor space to accommodate the various bedding options. Thus, there is a significant amount of “overhead” costs associated with retail outlets dedicated to trading in bedding, such as floor space rental costs, employee costs and excess sample stock on the shop floor, the costs of which are generally passed on to the consumer in the purchase price of the bedding.

With the increasing popularity of on-line shopping, there is potentially a means for reducing the amount of overhead costs for retailers such that products can be sold at a generally lower cost without having to factor in rent, staffing costs and the like. However, in the bedding industry, on-line shopping has not been typically effective as most shoppers wish to try-out the bedding and the mattresses prior to purchase to ensure that they meet their own personal comfort requirements.

Thus, there is a need to provide a bedding system that is able to be purchased in a standard form and which is capable of being set-up for use in a variety of configurations to cater for a wide range of comfort requirements. Such a bedding system can be bought on-line without the need for the buyer to firstly sample the mattress prior to purchase, and can be delivered to the customer where they can set up the mattress to their own comfort level. Similarly, such a bedding option provides an ability to alter the softness/firmness setting of the mattress over time, should an individual's preferences change, without having to purchase a new mattress.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mattress for a bedding unit comprising:

-   -   a body having a first support surface and a second support         surface, each of the first support surface and the second         support surface is configured to support an user thereon and         each of the first and second support surfaces have a different         level of firmness; and     -   at least one top portion removably attachable to either of the         first or second support surfaces of the body, the at least one         top portion having a level of firmness less than the level of         firmness of the first and second support surfaces such that when         the top portion is attachable to either of the first or second         support surface, the level of firmness of the first or second         support surface is reduced;     -   wherein an overall level of firmness of the mattress can be         altered by the user selecting either the first or second support         surface alone or in combination with the at least one top         portion to provide the overall level of firmness of the mattress         that is acceptable to the user.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the first support surface and the second support surface are provided on opposing sides of the body, with the first support surface and the second support surface being separated by a wall that extends around the periphery of the body.

The at least one top portion may be attachable to the wall of the body substantially along the periphery thereof. In one form, the at least one top portion may be attachable to the wall of the body by way of a hook and loop fastener. In another form, the at least one top portion may be attachable to the wall of the body by way of a zipper means.

The overall level of firmness of the mattress that is acceptable to the user may be determined by the user's own comfort requirements.

In another embodiment, a plurality of top portions may be provided; each top portion may have a different level of firmness from each other of the top portions.

Accordingly, in a second aspect of the invention there is provided a bedding system for providing multiple comfort settings to a user comprising:

-   -   a mattress having a first support surface and a second support         surface each of the first support surface and the second support         surface being configured to support the user thereon, a level of         firmness of the first support surface being different to a level         of firmness of the second support surface; and     -   at least one top portion removably attachable to either of the         first or second support surface of the mattress, the at least         one top portion having a level of firmness less than the level         of firmness of the first and second support surface such that         when the at least one top portion is attachable to either of the         first or second support surface, the level of firmness of the         first of second support surface is reduced;     -   wherein, the bedding system can be configured such that an         overall level of firmness of the mattress can be altered by the         user selecting either the first or second support surface of the         mattress either alone or in combination with the at least one         top portion to provide the overall level of firmness of the         mattress that is acceptable to the comfort level requirements of         the user.

Accordingly, in a third aspect of the invention there is provided a mattress comprising a body having a first support surface and a second support surface each configured to support an individual thereon, whereby each of the first and second support surfaces have a different degree of firmness.

Accordingly, in a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of configuring a mattress according to the first aspect to provide multiple user comfort settings, comprising:

-   -   arranging said body such that either the first or second support         surfaces are uppermost to provide a first and a second user         comfort setting for the mattress respectively; and     -   attaching a top portion to whichever of the first or second         support surfaces are uppermost to provide a third and fourth         user comfort setting for the mattress respectively; and

selecting either of the first, second, third or fourth comfort settings which best satisfies the user's comfort level requirements

In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of configuring a bedding system to provide a variety of user comfort settings, comprising:

-   -   obtaining a mattress in accordance with the first aspect of the         invention;     -   arranging said body such that the first support surface is         uppermost to provide a first user comfort setting;     -   arranging said body such that the second support surface is         uppermost to provide a second user comfort setting;     -   attaching a top portion to the first or second support surfaces         of the body to provide at least a third and fourth user comfort         setting; and     -   selecting either of the first, second, third or fourth comfort         settings which best satisfy the user's comfort level         requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a bedding system incorporating a mattress of the present invention in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mattress for use with the bedding system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side, exploded view of the mattress of the present invention in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side exploded view of the mattress of the present invention in accordance with a second embodiment; and

FIGS. 5-8 show front perspective views of the bedding system with the mattress set-up in a variety of different comfort settings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be described below in relation to a bedding system comprising an ensemble mattress and box spring base. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention could be equally employed in relation to a bedding system in which the mattress is supported on a bed frame having slats and the like, or any other bedding system.

Referring Firstly to FIG. 1, a bedding unit 10 is shown comprising a mattress 12 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, supported atop a box spring base 14. The mattress 12 is in the form of a double sided mattress comprising a first support surface 16 and a second support surface 18, upon which a user may be supported, depending upon the orientation of the mattress 12. Each of the first support surface 16 and the second support surface 18 are configured to have a different firmness or comfort setting.

The mattress 12 has a removable top portion 15 which is configured to be fitted to either the first support surface 16 or the second support surface 18 or alternatively to be removed from the mattress 12 altogether, for use. The side walls 17 of the mattress 12 have an attachment means 19 located thereon that extends substantially around the perimeter of the side walls 17 to connect with a corresponding attachment means provide on the removable top portion 15. The attachment means 19 may be in the form of a strip of hook and loop fastener material, such as that sold under the trade mark Velcro®, which has one of the hook or loop material fastened to the side wall 17 of the mattress 12, and the corresponding other of the hook or loop material fastened to the removable top portion 15, such that when the top portion 15 is attached to the mattress 12, it is securely retained in position and becomes substantially integral with the mattress 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of the mattress system 12 is shown in exploded form, with the top portion 15 separated from the mattress 12. In this embodiment the first support surface 16 of the mattress 12 is orientated uppermost to receive a user thereon. The mattress 12 is constructed such that the first support surface 16 provides a firmer feel than that of the second support surface 18. This is achieved through the selection of materials and structural configuration of the layers of material used in the manufacture of the respective support surfaces, as is well understood in the art.

The top portion 15 has an upper surface 20 made from layers of material configured to provide a degree of “softness” or “plushness” when a user is supported thereon. The top portion 15 has a skirt 22 that extends downwardly from the upper surface 20 so as to extend along the each of the side walls 17 of the mattress 12 when the top portion 15 is positioned on the mattress 12 for use. The inner surface of the skirt 22 has an attachment means 23 provided to extend substantially the length of the skirt 22 to engage with the corresponding attachment means 19 provided on the side wall 17 of the mattress 12. Engagement between the attachment means 23 and the attachment means 19 facilitates securement of the top portion 15 in position on the mattress 12.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, two strips of attachment means 19 are provided adjacent the first and second support surface 16, 18. In such an arrangement, the length of the skirt 22 of the top portion 15 may be configured to be sufficient to engage with the corresponding attachment means 19 associated with the relevant support surface 16, 18, as required. However, it will be appreciated that only one row of attachment means 19 (FIG. 2) may be required if the skirt 22 has sufficient length to engage therewith when positioned on either of the first or second support surface 16, 18.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the engagement means 19, 23 for securing the top portion 15 to the mattress 12 is in the form of a zip fastener. As is shown, a zipper is provided on the end of the skirt 22 of the top portion 15 that engages with teeth formed along the side wall 17 of the mattress 12, adjacent each of the first and second support surfaces 16, 18. In this regard, by positioning the top portion 12 on either of the first or second support surfaces 16, 18, the zipper can be engaged to secure the top portion into position. As discussed above, only a single track of teeth needs to be provided on the side wall 17 for this purpose if the skirt 22 is of a sufficient length to engage with the track of teeth when positioned on either of the first or second support surface 16, 18. It will be appreciated that other forms of engagement means such as press studs and the like may also be employed for the purposes of securing the top portion 15 to the relevant first or second support surface 16, 18 of the mattress 12.

As discussed above, the mattress 12 together with the removable top portion 15 can be used to provide a mattress having multiple comfort settings, in accordance with the user's preferences.

In a preferred form, the first support surface 16 and the second support surface 18 are formed to have different firmness settings. The firmness setting of the first support surface 16 may be firmer than that of the second support surface 18. Hence, by arranging the bedding unit 10 such that the first support surface 16 of the mattress 12 is uppermost, the mattress 12 will be in its firmest configuration, as is shown in FIG. 5. Thus, if the customer has a preference for a firm mattress arrangement, the bedding unit 10 will be set up in the manner as shown in FIG. 5, for FIRM comfort setting, with the first support surface 16 uppermost and the top portion 15 removed.

If the customer prefers a less firm setting to that shown in FIG. 5, to adjust the firmness setting of the bedding unit 10 to the next firmness configuration, namely a MEDIUM/FIRM comfort setting, the customer simply flips the mattress 12 such that the second support surface 18 is uppermost, as is shown in FIG. 6. Thus the MEDIUM/FIRM comfort setting comprises the mattress 12 arranged with the second support surface 18 uppermost and the top portion 15 removed.

If the customer prefers a “softer” comfort setting to the MEDIUM/FIRM setting shown in FIG. 6, the customer adjusts the setting of the bedding unit 10 to that shown in FIG. 7, to obtain a MEDIUM/PLUSH comfort setting. In this configuration, the bedding unit 10 is arranged such that the top portion 15 is attached to the first support surface 16 of the mattress 12, such that the top portion 15 and first support surface 16 are uppermost. In this configuration the top portion 15 works together with the firmer first support surface 16 to provide a MEDIUM/PLUSH comfort level setting for the bedding unit 10.

If a customer prefers still a “softer” comfort setting to the MEDIUM/PLUSH setting shown in FIG. 7, the customer can adjust the setting of the bedding unit 10 to that shown in FIG. 8, to obtain a PLUSH comfort setting. In this configuration, the bedding unit 10 is arranged such that the top portion 15 is attached to the second support surface 18 of the mattress 12, such that the top portion 15 and the second support surface 18 are uppermost. In this configuration of the bedding unit 10, the top portion 15 works together with the less-firmer second support surface 18 to provide a PLUSH comfort level setting for the bedding unit 10.

It will be appreciated that other settings for the bedding unit are also possible, namely with the top portion 15 attached to a support surface located on an underside of the mattress 12, to provide comfort level settings between those described above. Further, more than one top portion 15 having different softness or “plushness” settings may be provided for use with the mattress 12. In this way, a customer has complete control in setting up the mattress 12 in accordance with their personal comfort requirements. In the embodiment as described above, should the user's desired comfort settings change over time, the user is able to reconfigure the bedding unit 10 to any configuration desirable to satisfy such changing preferences.

It will be appreciated that the mattress 12 of the present invention will be delivered as a single item with the top portion 15 positioned for use and with instructions detailing the various ways in which the mattress can be set-up to achieve different firmness settings. Thus, the mattress of the present invention enables a customer to purchase the mattress without the need to try the mattress before purchase, safe in the knowledge that the customer can vary the firmness levels of the mattress to achieve a variety of desired comfort settings.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the mattress uppermost.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein. 

1. A mattress for a bedding unit comprising: a body having a first support surface and a second support surface, each of the first support surface and the second support surface is configured to support an user thereon and each of the first and second support surfaces have a different level of firmness; and at least one top portion removably attachable to either of the first or second support surfaces of the body, the at least one top portion having a level of firmness less than the level of firmness of the first and second support surfaces such that when the top portion is attachable to either of the first or second support surface, the level of firmness of the first or second support surface is reduced; wherein an overall level of firmness of the mattress can be altered by the user selecting either the first or second support surface alone or in combination with the at least one top portion to provide the overall level of firmness of the mattress that is acceptable to the user.
 2. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are provided on opposing sides of the body, with the first support surface and the second support surface being separated by a wall that extends around the periphery of the body.
 3. A mattress according to claim 2, wherein the at least one top portion is attachable to the wall of the body substantially along the periphery thereof
 4. A mattress according to claim 3, wherein the top portion is attachable to the wall of the body by way of a hook and loop fastener.
 5. A mattress according to claim 3, wherein the top portion is attachable to the wall of the body by way of a zipper means.
 6. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein the overall level of firmness of the mattress that is acceptable to the user is determined by the user's own comfort requirements.
 7. A mattress according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of top portions are provided, each top portion having a different level of firmness from each other of the top portions.
 8. A bedding system for providing multiple comfort settings to a user comprising: a mattress having a first support surface and a second support surface each of the first support surface and the second support surface being configured to support the user thereon, a level of firmness of the first support surface being different to a level of firmness of the second support surface; and at least one top portion removably attachable to either of the first or second support surface of the mattress, the at least one top portion having a level of firmness less than the level of firmness of the first and second support surface such that when the at least one top portion is attachable to either of the first or second support surface, the level of firmness of the first of second support surface is reduced; wherein, the bedding system can be configured such that an overall level of firmness of the mattress can be altered by the user selecting either the first or second support surface of the mattress either alone or in combination with the at least one top portion to provide the overall level of firmness of the mattress that is acceptable to the comfort level requirements of the user.
 9. A bedding system according to claim 8, wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are provided on opposing sides of the body, with the first support surface and the second support surface being separated by a wall that extends around the periphery of the body.
 10. A bedding system according to claim 9, wherein the at least one top portion is attachable to the wall of the body substantially along the periphery thereof
 11. A bedding system according to claim 10, wherein the top portion is attachable to the wall of the body by way of a hook and loop fastener.
 12. A bedding system according to claim 10, wherein the top portion is attachable to the wall of the body by way of a zipper means.
 13. A bedding system according to claim 8, wherein the overall level of firmness of the mattress that is acceptable to the user is determined by the user's own comfort requirements.
 14. A bedding system according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of top portions are provided, each top portion having a different level of firmness from each other of the top portions.
 15. A mattress comprising a body having a first support surface and a second support surface each configured to support an individual thereon, whereby each of the first and second support surfaces have a different level of firmness.
 16. A method of configuring a mattress according to claim 1 to provide multiple user comfort settings, comprising: arranging said body such that either the first or second support surfaces are uppermost to provide a first and a second user comfort setting for the mattress respectively; and attaching a top portion to whichever of the first or second support surfaces are uppermost to provide a third and fourth user comfort setting for the mattress respectively; and selecting either of the first, second, third or fourth comfort settings which best satisfy the user's comfort level requirements.
 17. A method of configuring a bedding system to provide a variety of user comfort settings, comprising: obtaining a mattress in accordance with claim 1; arranging said body such that the first support surface is uppermost to provide a first user comfort setting; arranging said body such that the second support surface is uppermost to provide a second user comfort setting; attaching a top portion to the first or second support surfaces of the body to provide at least a third and fourth user comfort setting; and selecting either of the first, second, third or fourth comfort settings which best satisfy the user's comfort level requirements. 